India-Israel Cooperation: Krishna’s Visit to Tel Aviv

India and Israel have vowed to upgrade their relations in all fields amid the emphasis by External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on working out a joint strategy to "checkmate" the scourge of terrorism affecting both the countries. Krishna’s visit to Israel assumes significance because the last such trip took place in July 2000 when the then External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh traveled here.
The two countries signed an Extradition Treaty and a pact on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners as Krishna wound up his two-day visit here, first by an Indian Foreign Minister in over a decade.
During his stay, Krishna met the top leadership including President Simon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu besides holding elaborate talks with his counterpart Avigdor Lieberman.
Landmark Visit
Krishna’s visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories earlier this week was a landmark one. In this India displayed, for the first time, open even-handedness, compromising neither its core interests nor core beliefs. In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the external affairs minister candidly laid down the significance of India-Israel relations, speaking without hesitation of the reasons why cooperation with Israel was necessary. He stressed agriculture: this country has in recent years counted on Israeli aid in technologies and techniques relating to dryland farming. But mention must be made of the defense equipment and technologies that we get from Israel, which are vitally needed on our borders. The unmanned aerial vehicles and night-fighting equipment of Israeli make have vastly improved India’s management of the border regions with Pakistan and enhanced our capabilities to neutralize infiltration by terrorist groups. It was, therefore, natural for Krishna to mention anti-terrorism cooperation. In recent years, Israel has emerged as a significant source of military hardware alongside Russia and some Western countries.
Tel Aviv’s Support for New Delhi’s UN Seat
Krishna was received with warmth in Ramallah, headquarters of the Palestinian Authority, after his talks in the Israeli capital, indicating the importance the Palestinians attach to India’s unflinching political support for their cause of “an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state”, to quote from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s speech at the UN General Assembly in September, where India made a strong pitch for granting Palestine UN membership in the face of opposition from the United States and its Western allies.

Friendship with both Israel and the Palestinians is not a zero-sum game — one cannot be at the cost of the other, although certain constituencies here continue to adopt such a shortsighted approach. This was underlined without blushing during Krishna’s recent sojourn. If it is important for various reasons to do business with Israel, it is no less necessary to uphold the principle of Palestinian rights and make efforts to give it practical shape.

Manmohan-Gilani Summit: Opening New Chapter in Bilateral Ties

India and Pakistan have talked about writing 'a new chapter' in their accident-prone ties, with Islamabad assuring New Delhi that the terrorists behind the Mumbai carnage, that virtually froze relations between the neighbors, will be brought to justice soon.
In a sign of the new spirit of mutual accommodation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani agreed to open a new chapter in ties and hoped the next round of talks will be 'more productive and constructive'.
Meeting on the sidelines of the 17th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Addu (the Maldives), the two leaders held delegation-level talks for around half an hour in a seaside beach cottage at the idyllic Shangri La resort hotel and followed it up with nearly 45 minutes of one-on-one talks.
In addition to resolving to candidly discuss all outstanding issues, ranging from Jammu & Kashmir to Sir Creek, the Prime Ministers focused on terrorism and trade. The two leaders agreed that the measures to facilitate trade and travel across the Line of Control, decided upon by the Foreign Ministers in their July meeting, should be implemented expeditiously. Both Prime Ministers urged a greater degree of openness in discussing all issues of discord during the next round of line Ministry-level talks.
Terrorism Menace
With relations having languished since the cataclysmic 26/11 terror attacks nearly three years ago, the two sided agreed to push a host of initiatives, including the revival of the joint commission, a preferential trade agreement and liberal visa regime.
The Indian prime minister conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart that both countries have an obligation to ensure that terrorism does not spoil relations between them and pressed for justice for 26/11 victims.
Terrorism is a perennial concern. We have an obligation to ensure that it does not spoil relations between the two countries," Manmohan conveyed to Gilani during talks.
Singh told Gilani that "it is imperative to bring the perpetrators of 26/11 attacks to justice." The two leaders agreed that terrorism posed the most serious threat to peace and stability in the region."
Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar discussed trade and terrorism issues with a view to broadening the two countries’ engagement.
The two ministers informally indicated to the media that the atmosphere was positive. Krishna is learnt to have stressed the need for Pakistan to deal effectively with those responsible for mounting the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, and not allow its soil to be used by terrorists targeting India.

MFN Status
India announced a trade-related confidence-building measure to match Pakistan according the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to India. Ms Khar indicated Pakistan would soon finalize its decision to offer India the “MFN” trading status as a means to widen the engagement process.
Earlier on 2 November, Pakistan decided to grant MFN status to India, 15 years after New Delhi accorded it the same level of treatment.
MFN is a level of treatment accorded by countries interested in increasing trade with each other. Countries achieving MFN are given trade advantages such as reduced tariffs on imported goods. Special consideration is given to countries classified as "developing" by the World Trade Organization (WTO), which also enforces the status.
Pakistan has already bestowed MFN status on over 100 countries, including its all-weather friend China, but had been hesitant to do so in the case of India because of the fear that Indian exporters may flood Pakistani markets with their merchandise once normal trade is allowed.
Formal trade between India and Pakistan averages $ 2.5 billion annually, it is the informal route through the trading centers of Singapore and Dubai that is bigger and is estimated to be around $ 3.5 billion. Now Pakistan has granted India MFN status, formal trade may shoot up to $ 6 billion. Pakistan’s Planning Commission estimates that trade will to grow to $ 10 billion soon once MFN status is given to India. Freeing up many trading items could see the two countries making value additions to each other products.
Preferential Trade Agreement
India has decided to move toward a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Pakistan as both sides agreed to put in place a liberalized visa regime soon.
The decision to move towards a Preferential Trade Agreement with Pakistan under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) that will lead to zero customs duty on all traded goods by 2016 came during Singh-Gilani meeting. The two leaders also agreed that bilateral trade will be conducted on Most Favored Nation basis.Both leaders decided to put in place a liberalized visa regime that is being negotiated at the earliest and revive the Indo-Pak Joint Commission that has not been in operation since 2005. The SAFTA is an agreement reached in the 2004 SAARC summit in Islamabad which created a free trade area of 1.8 billion people in Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Rabbani's Assassination: Jolt To Afghan Peace Efforts

The assassination of former Afghan President Barahuddin Rabbani in a suicide attack makes it clear that peace in that war-torn country is very far yet. His assassination is an attempt to sabotage the ongoing efforts for peace in that country. Those involved in hatching the conspiracy alone cannot be held responsible for it. Efforts to bring peace are under way with the US support. But not only the Taliban, but the common man in Afghanistan also have no faith and trust in the United States, hence, they do not take these efforts seriously. Insurgents and terrorists derive mileage efforts; and have to bear the brunt of it. Even the former Afghanistan president became a victim to such suicide attack.
Talks With Taliban
Rabbani was among the moderate leaders in Afghanistan. He was the president of Afghanistan in the period 1992-1996 and as president he made efforts to bring peace in Afghanistan. Afghan President Hamid Karzai assigned him the task of bringing terrorist elements in the peace process by holding talks with the Taliban and bringing them back to the mainstream. Since Rabbani was an influential leader, his efforts were being supported not only by various sections of the society but at the international level as well. He visited India in July as the chairman of the High Peace Council. He held meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, and others. He attached special importance to India on the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the establishment of peace and lauded India's cooperation and commitment for it. That is why India has expressed deep sorrow and grief at his sudden demise and announced to continue to extend cooperation in the peace process in that country.
Rabbani was of the firm belief that without India's full support, the peace dialogue cannot move in the right direction. Under these circumstances, his killing has given rise to a significant query to what role would India have in the dialogue with the Taliban and to whom Karzai would hand over the responsibility to hold talks with the Taliban.
Hatred Toward US
The killing of Rabbani makes it clear that there exist a most powerful group among the Taliban, which want to derail the peace dialogue. The main reason behind it is nothing but the strong resentment and hatred toward the United States. The assassination of Rabbani is a severe jolt to the United States also which is prepared to pack up and leave Afghanistan. If, consequent upon Rabbani's killing, the peace dialogue get affected, it may have an impact on the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan as well.
Most importantly, Rabbani's assassination is a severe jolt to moderate elements in Afghanistan. This moderate group includes that section of the Taliban, which was supporting the talks, by abjuring violence with the Karzai government and US representatives. In short, the fatal attack on Rabbani has placed a big question mark on his expectations of establishment of peace. It has, more importantly, added to the woes and difficulties for the United States.

India-Pakistan Foreign Minister-Level Talks

At the India-Pakistan foreign minister-level talk that was in the news for the past several days, the two sides gave a proof of prudence, and it seems that learning a lesson from their past lapses both the neighboring countries want to make a headway in a bold manner. It, however, does not imply that a complete thaw has taken place in the relations between the nations.
Confidence-Building Measures
It is good that India and Pakistan have wisely accepted the mutual differences and have deemed it fit to take forward the process of confidence-building measures. On this count, the meeting held between Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rambani Khar can be termed satisfactory. From the consensus on extension of transactions along the Line of Control to four days, encouraging tourist and pilgrimages, relaxation of the visa conditions, and mitigating the differences on the Kashmir issue show that simultaneously with the changing scenario the change in other aspects is also discernible now.
For, Pakistan loses no opportunity to raise the Kashmir issue. Before the meeting with Krishna, Khar's meeting with Kashmiri separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Gillani and Mirwaiz Farooq had led to such indications. Further, the meeting took place at a time when with the arrest of Pakistan lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Fai in the United States a new face of Islamabad on Kashmir has come to light. Just not that, Pakistan has been persistently shying away from extending expiration in the 26/11 Mumbai case investigations. Notwithstanding all this, Pakistan has exhibited its inclination toward extending its cooperation on the issue of the war on terror.
Establishment of Fresh Ties
From the foreign ministers meeting it is also evident that foreign secretaries of both countries had done a fairly good amount of homework. That is why probably that Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao could comment that political will is discernible with regard to the establishment of fresh ties between the countries. The truth is due to the commonality of the historic background of India and Pakistan there has been a massive lack of mutual trust between them from the beginning. If some change is now perceptible in the Pakistani attitude toward India then it is obvious reason is that Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism today and it is faced with pressure from all directions, including the United States.
In the circumstances, the Pakistani foreign minister's observation is a positive development that the new generation will witness new relations between India and Pakistan. Yet, nonetheless, it is to be seen now to what stance Pakistan takes on the terrorism front.

Beginning of New Era in India-Pakistan Cooperation

Although nothing substantive came out of the talks between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, S.M. Krishna, and Hina Rabbani Khar respectively, the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere and both resolved to keep the process of dialogue alive to find solutions to various issues including terrorism.
Positive Aspect
The positive aspect of the talks held in New Delhi, is that both countries have come to realize that none of them is to gain anything by following the policy of confrontation and by making provocative speeches. Both countries are the nuclear powers in South Asia. There is urgent need that the two countries bury past bitterness and tensions and move together to improve mutual ties, to turn the region into a haven of peace and amity ensuring development and prosperity for their peoples.
Leaving behind the bitterness of the meeting held in Islamabad last July, the foreign ministers of the two countries had positive and useful talks, and resolved to carry the process further. Addressing a joint press conference after their talks, they said that terrorism today poses the greatest challenge to both countries and there is dire need of dealing with it together. Both agreed that all pending issues and disputes can be resolved through the process of dialogue only. They recognized the need of mutual cooperation, coordination and confidence building measures to improve their relations. The two ministers succeeded in putting earlier differences and disputes aside and agreed to enlarge the scope of bilateral tourism and trade. Perhaps, because of this attitude, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, later commented that the mist that had engulfed their relations has cleared.
Toward Strength and Stability
The foreign minister of Pakistan said that the relations between the two countries have entered a new era. Since there is a change in the mind set of the peoples of the two countries, it would be easier to carry the relations in the right direction. She asserted that it was her sincere desire that the process of dialogue should continue without any hindrance. People in official circles too feel that the relations would now smoothly move toward strength and stability. In his meeting with the foreign minister of Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that we would have to strive hard to bring our relations on an even keel. Hina Rabbani Khar informed the prime minister that the new generation in Pakistan is desirous of having better relations with India.
The picture that emerged from the talks of the two foreign ministers and the joint press conference is that Pakistan has now come to realize the futility of confrontation with India because of its strained relations with the United States. It feels that instead of looking toward others for getting their issues resolved, it would be in the fitness of things to hold talks with India to find solution to all outstanding issues.

Hillary Clinton’s India Visit

During the highly important recent visit to India by US State Secretary Hillary Clinton, the United States and India have expressed the resolve for promotion of cooperation in civil nuclear technology and defense sectors along with others departments also. Hillary Clinton has said that they will not tolerate the sanctuaries for the terrorists at all. Pakistan should take full-scale action against terrorism for the sake of stability in the region and that it should share intelligence information. It is necessary for the future of Pakistan itself.
India-Pakistan Dialogues
The US and Indian foreign ministers expressed these views while addressing a joint news conference at the conclusion of strategic dialogues. On this occasion, both the countries agreed to expand cooperation for curbing terrorism and to expedite the process of implementation of the civilian nuclear agreement. The strategic dialogues also discussed the Pakistan-India dialogues and they urged that Pakistan should destroy the safe havens of the terrorists for stability in the region and for security of its future. Clinton said that civil nuclear agreement is a ''vital investment'' between both the countries. For this purpose, the United States will keep cooperating with India.
Clinton assured the Indian officials that the Barack Obama administration will keep the pressure up against Pakistan to handle the extremists and that they will not allow Taliban to regain power in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US military. She said that Pakistan-India talks are welcome development. The United States wants to see confidence restored between both the countries and for this purpose the settled measures should be properly acted upon.
War on Terror
She reiterated that the United States considers Pakistan an important ally in the war on terror. She confessed that the number of people who died in terrorists' attacks are far more than the people in the United States. However, Pakistan should secure its areas and its people. We want long term relations with Pakistan under the bilateral interests however we will not tolerate the safe hideouts of terrorists in any part of the world and we will have to work jointly in order to remove them. It is correct that no government can offer shelter to a terrorist since it is aware of the mortal consequences.
She said that it is in the interest of Pakistan' future to improve ties with India. She also said that we want to see justice done to the people who attacked India. The United States is committed to the agreement for civil nuclear technology and it will honor the agreement.
Expressing condolences and sympathies with the victims of Mumbai blasts, US State Secretary Hillary Clinton said that Indian war against terrorism is ''our war''. We will always side with India on this issue. Pakistan has also fallen prey to the terrorism. On this occasion, both the countries reached an agreement for the cyber security as well. Under the agreement, Indian secret agency -- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the US CIA will provide intelligence information to each other in case of any incident of terrorism.
Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna said during the talks with US State Secretary Hillary Clinton, we have talked about the permanent membership of India in the UN Security Council and to expand the role of India in Afghanistan. Krishna said at the time of military drawdown from Afghanistan, the United States should keep the ground realities in view and ''ensure'' that following the withdrawal, the Taliban-led terrorists do regroup and strengthen themselves. We have made it clear to the other allied countries, including the United States, that their presence is highly necessary in Afghanistan.
US Withdrawal From Afghanistan
US State Secretary Clinton said I want to make it clear that though the United States has initiated the process of pulling out its troops from Afghanistan but it does not mean we are completely leaving the region. We are committed to performing our duties in the region. She said that in order to give the reconciliation a practical shape and to maintain it, the United States would need the cooperation of all the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, including India and Pakistan. India has recently shifted its stance after a longtime opposition to talks with the Taliban.
Referring to India's stance, US State Secretary Clinton said that India has expressed its ''concerns'' about foreign intervention during the process of reconciliation. We agree to these concerns and we are holding talks with India over these issues. We also believe that Pakistan's role in also very important in this process and Pakistan has ''fair interests'' which should be safeguarded. A democratic, stable and prosperous Pakistan is necessary for the durable peace and security in the region. The drawdown in the forces does not signify that we are leaving Afghanistan alone.
US State Secretary Hillary Clinton urged India that now it is the right time when India should play its leadership role in the Asia where China is spreading its influence and power. She said that India should help the neighboring countries Pakistan and Afghanistan that are suffering numerous difficulties. India should expand its political influence as it has its economic influence and power. Moreover, Washington is ''aware of the fact'' that India has the capability to do so as compared to China. The 21st century is the time to find new opportunities and playing leadership role. She said the United States and India share common vision with regard to the future of the region. US State Secretary Clinton said that Indian leadership has all kinds of abilities to positively shape the future of Asia Pacific region and in this process, we encourage India that it not only should look toward east but also engage itself in the east as well.
Evolution of Economic, Historical and Scientific Process
The statement of US State Secretary Hillary Clinton in India where she said, ''I want to make it clear that the United States is going to start the process of drawdown of its troops from Afghanistan but it does not mean that we are going to leave this region'' is no less than a tragedy for the terrorists and their patrons. The terrorists are jumping with joy that they will once again regain the control of the region after the US withdrawal from this region and again they will be able to do what they please with. Moreover, the 'West's' agenda in this region with regard to the terrorism and the terrorists will not change because of the US economy coming to the state of default. It is notable that now India is also part of west besides China and Russia. However, no matter they are the US allies or Russia or China, no wants to see the United States going bankrupt because in that case, these advanced countries will lose lots of their assets in the United States. It will result into anarchy as a result to which the religious fanatics and terrorists will take over the control of the entire world.
Impact of US Economic Collapse
To be a superpower and then come up the expectations of this responsible level is no joke because it all takes place as a result of a long evolution of economic, historical and scientific process.
As a result of the collapse of the US economy, the world will confront various crises of serious nature including economically and militarily and no one will be immune from the mortal and lethal repercussions of the US economic collapse. Therefore, all these countries including the advanced countries will make every possible effort that things do not go this way because to successfully discharge the duties of a superpower is not possible for anyone including the US allies, and Russia or China, at the moment.

India Must Remain Alert in Maintaining Relations With China

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has told Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and member of the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament), Tarun Vijai, that the government is keeping a watchful eye on the Chinese activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and in this connection has established contact with the Chinese Government. Krishna said: 'We fully realise our responsibilities.'

The Chinese Government has claimed that their activities in Gilgit-Baltistan are in connection with projects that their experts have taken up from the Pakistani Government. Addressing an army seminar, the Commander in Chief of the Indian Army said, on the Line of Actual Control is a worrying development from the army's viewpoint. He said that it would be very easy to mobilize the Army for the enemy on this road. Also it will be easy for them to keep an eye on Indian activities.

The US media have also expressed their apprehensions that the Chinese Army has established its bases over there. In a distance of less than a mile, the Chinese have put up spy cameras, so that they can keep an eye on the Indian border. China has made claims to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and at the same time extends apparent friendship. Despite it, China does not hesitate with its highhandedness.

Trade Ties and Border Dispute

India has based its foreign policy on friendly relations with all its neighbors. This is very important for peace and domestic progress. For India's good relations with China, this is doubly important, for China has become a tremendous world power in economic and military terms. This can also be seen from the fact that the Chinese currency yen is at par with the US dollar, and in the near future, if the yen overtakes the dollar it will not be a big surprise in the world markets.

India also has made a place for itself in the world markets. Setting aside political differences, India has given emphasis to trade relations and extended help to China. Trade relations continue to grow between the countries. Along with this, the India-China border and PoK, Chinese activities are a cause for worry. The Indian Government will have to take a serious view of the matter.

Along with attempts at improving relations with China, India will have to remain vigilant on the border with China. Because of negligence the incidents of 1962 should not be repeated. Incidents of the past are sufficient proof of the fact that under the influence of "Panchsheel" (five principles of peaceful coexistence) the slogan of Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai (Indians and Chinese are brothers), the Chinese stabbed Indians in the back, which left India helpless and all alone in the India-China war. Because of India's support for socialism, all Western powers had not extended their support for India. Without going into the details of this humiliating incident, one can say that the country had to pay a big price for its negligence.

Protective Infrastructure War

Despite India's efforts to restore cordial relations, China attitude remains the same. China started giving separate visas to Kashmiris who wanted to visit China. Despite India's insistent protests that Kashmir is an inseparable part of India, the separate visa can only be termed mischievous. On one hand, China is interested in increasing trade relations with India, and on the other, it has made it easy to access the border between the countries and is busy building roads for that purpose.

India is also sending a message to China that it is not negligent toward the border as it were during the 1962 India-China. This is the reason India will have to pay a protective infrastructure war. India also is a nuclear power.

Demand of Situation

What is the demand of the situation is that India should strive for complete self-reliance. It should be fully armed with tanks and warplanes, regardless from where they have to be got. At the same time its foreign policy should be planned in such a way that it supports its defence preparedness. Its foreign policy should be planned in such a way that it supports defence preparedness. Instead of its foreign policy being anti-China, it should be in harmony with it.

With a neighbor like China, which has usurped a large portion of India's border region, it should not be ignored for the purpose of trade. To be careful in relations with China is the most important and needed move.

India-US Strategic Cooperation: S.M. Krishna Visits Washington

India and the United States concluded their first cabinet-level strategic dialogue on 4 June. Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna on 3 June told US President Barack Obama that India 'can be a dependable anchor' in Asia-Pacific region's growth, even as he emphasized that New Delhi considered its relationship with Washington as 'one of our foremost foreign policy priorities.'

Earlier Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held discussions as part of the first-ever Strategic Dialogue between the two nations, which encompassed subjects like economic cooperation, high technology exports to India, cooperation over climate change among other things.

Foremost Priorities
India considers its relationship with the US as a top foreign policy priority as the partnership is destined to have a strong impact on global stability, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told President Barack Obama on 3 June. The president, we consider the mutually beneficial relationship with the United States to be one of our foremost foreign policy priorities,' he said. Krishna also lauded Obama for 'taking strong interest in the future of the Asia-Pacific region, while adding that India can be a dependable anchor of the region's growth.

Nuclear Liability Regime: India is committed to putting in place a nuclear liability regime, Foreign Minister Krishna said even as he invited US firms to invest in India. Speaking before the start of the United States-India Strategic Dialogue at an event hosted by the US-India Business Council, the Indian foreign minister said many US firms were in dialogue with Indian companies. We would like it to be as robust a partnership as we have both envisioned.

Pledge To Deepen Ties
India and the United States concluded their first cabinet-level Strategic Dialogue on 4 June, pledging to deepen ties between the two nations. Clinton and Krishna pledged to deepen people-to-people, business-to-business and government-to-government linkages between the world's oldest and largest democracies for the mutual benefit of both countries and for the promotion of global peace, stability, economic growth and prosperity.

US Intervention for Access to Headley
The Indian foreign minister sought the US secretary of state's intervention in New Delhi getting proper access to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks accused David Headley aka Daood Gilani, indicating that the US was 'yet to fulfill its pledge' in this regard three days after an Indian investigating team arrived here to question him.

Two-Way Trade in Advanced Technology
The Indian foreign minister projected high-tech commerce as a sheet anchor for India's ties with the US as the strategic dialogue got underway in Washington. 'Indian importers have a 100 percent compliance record when it comes to safeguarding imported technology -- we have been implementing the End-Use Verification Agreement with US partners for years. With this trust that we have built as strategic partners, we should be able to create robust two-way trade in advanced technology,' the Indian foreign minister said.

Diverge on Afghanistan

On the Afghan issue, it was learned that the thinking and paths adopted by India and US appeared to diverge. While Clinton hinted at 'reintegrating the Taliban fighters back into the society,' Krishna warned against engaging with any group that was involved in terror-related activities.

US Af-Pak Strategy
Favoring increased cooperation between India and the United States over Afghanistan. President Obama must have also realized that India cannot be ignored if he wants to ensure successful implementation of his Af-Pak strategy. He said that the United States and India together could 'considerably alter' the course of global affairs.

Obama's Expected India Visit
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke on 28 May with President Obama. The two leaders discussed the forthcoming Strategic Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next week in Washington. Both sides attach great priority to the dialogue as a means to strengthen bilateral engagement on a wide range of issues, including high technology trade, science & technology, civil nuclear cooperation, agriculture, human resource development, security and other strategic issues.

The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. President Obama conveyed condolences on the loss of lives resulting from the air crash in Mangalore recently. The Prime Minister said that a warm welcome awaited the President and his family when they visit New Delhi.

Home Minister's Useless Appeal To China

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna is currently visiting China. He has sought cooperation in various sectors. Making an appeal to Chinese leaders, he said: 'China should extend cooperation in the struggle against terrorism. It is a global threat to counter, which there are need-concerted endeavors by all the nations of the world. We are faced with such political ideologies as smack of narrow loyalties.'

Support for Permanent UN Membership
The minister also said: 'China should extend support for permanent membership of the UN Security Council for India. The two countries should exhibit maturity in the resolution of various disputes including the complex boundary dispute. They are not rivals and the Indian military is not in competition with China on the modernization issue.'

In so far as China is concerned, viewing its role from the very beginning, it has been undermining India by keeping its interests uppermost. It replied to the 'Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai slogan through an invasion in 1962 and grabbing 60,000 sq mile territory of India. So far so, China recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as is part and expressed opposition to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other leaders visiting the Indian state. In Ladakh and Uttaranchal, the Chinese aircraft and helicopters have repeatedly violated the air border.

In 2009, the Chinese troops entered the Indian territory up to 1 km, and painted rocks there with red Chinese letter. They stopped the construction of a rural roadwork, which was in progress under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) project. Recently, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation toured the border area of Ladakh and it was learnt from the shepherds of that region that China is capturing the Indian territory inch by inch. It was the first visit of an Indian political party's delegation to that place.

Expressing protest over such a state of affairs, BJP President Nitin Gadkari said: "China occupied 147 spots within the Indian border during the current year and the government is concealing the fact. It is not taking any solid steps to retrieve these spots." In the Himalayan region, in the vicinity of the India border, China is building a road network and railway lines, establishing cantonments and constructing a dam on the river Brahmaputra, thereby preventing the water flow toward India. All this has greatly undermined India's security interests.

By flooding the Indian markets with its cheap and low quality products China is causing a huge damage to the Indian industries. So far so, its milk products and toys have been found extremely dangerous for health.

Communist China's Admission to United Nations
Whenever efforts are initiated for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council, China and its camp follower Pakistan vehemently oppose it though China could get the UN Security Council membership by virtue of India's endeavors. The United States and other Western countries were opposed to the Communist China's admission to the United Nations.

China is bent upon undermining the Indian interest. A defense expert close to the Chinese troops had said in 2009 that China should adopt a strategy of disintegrating India. According to the US and Canadian analysts of the Toronto University, Chinese hackers have hacked classified documents of the Indian Defense Ministry and its missile defense system owing to which a threat has been posed to its defense mechanism.

Talking in terms pf the Chinese cooperation to counter terrorism is really astonishing. It is no secret that insurgents and rebels active in the northeastern sector of India are imparted training by China, besides receiving financial and arms support.

Inspiration for Maoists
The source of inspiration for Maoists that have become a big threat to India is none else than China and they invariably receive arms and training from China. China has also incited anti-Indian sentiments among Maoists active in Nepal. Not only that, China is a close friend of Pakistan, which is recognized as nursery of terrorism. It is China that supplied missile and nuclear know-how to Pakistan. A big seaport is being built by China at Gwadar in Balochistan for the Pakistan Navy.

In such circumstances, making an appeal to China for cooperation to counter terrorism is nothing but self-deception. Why will China extend cooperation to India against Pakistan and its own nurtured militants?

India’s Intervention Indispensable To Resolve Lankan Ethnic Issue

It is learned that India has impressed on Colombo the importance of initiating the process for a political solution that will be acceptable to all other communities including the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. Responding to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha, Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna has said that since the military option had been accomplished in Sri Lanka, the present environment has presented an opportunity to initiate a sustainable political solution in Sri Lanka.
He has added that there is a possibility of establishing a political solution through discussions built upon a structure of a united Sri Lanka which would be acceptable to every community.

Prevailing Military Conflict
Meanwhile, even during the conduct of military operations in Sri Lanka, India has been constantly driving home the fact that a political solution was imperative to implement a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the country's ethnic issue. But, he added, this request does not appear to have produced any tangible or credible response and this has triggered a wave of exasperation among the Tamil community as well as among its various political leaders.

The people of this country know very well that this crucial national issue has been dragged along endlessly for several decades and Sri Lankans have had to pay a heavy price for it. It is now very evident that the Tamil people are earnestly with renewed anticipation awaiting the elusive political solution that could be worked out in the prevailing military conflict free atmosphere in the country.

Meanwhile, while speaking at a campaign meeting held recently in Trincomalee, R. Sampanthan, the foremost candidate of the Tamil National Alliance and a prominent leader of the Tamil community has said that the Tamils cannot hope to achieve a resolution to their grievances without India's intervention. He warned that this parliamentary election was a crucial one, particularly at this moment of time, when India as well as the global community had adopted clear stances on a political resolution to Lanka's conflict especially now that the military question was out of the way. Sampanthan further stressed that this was a moment in time when the Tamil people should articulate their demands loud and clear.

National Ethnic Issue
Against a backdrop, in which President Mahinda Rajapaksa has pledged that he would hold talks over the national ethnic issue with the Tamil representatives who will be elected in the forthcoming contest, the Tamil community has to think about their utmost need to elect a parliamentary representation that has ample clout.

Looking back over the past 60 years of the bleak history of the Tamil struggle it could be seen that they have done all the running but discover that they are still at first base. Therefore, it is now the hope of the Tamil people that the international community including India announces their interest in the ethnic issue of Sri Lanka and call for a truly productive response from the government in Colombo.

No one should forget that everyone involved in this crisis has the moral obligation to create conditions in Sri Lanka which would be conducive to facilitating the Tamil community to live a peaceful and independent life by delivering them from their present despondent situation and restoring to them all that they have lost in the past. The Tamil community has suffered incomparable losses through the misery and destruction of the past.

The Tamil ethnic question has been made an international issue and every one should be focused on the fact that the Tamil people have lagged behind by several decades in many aspects of development due to the unending anguish they have faced during this long struggle. Therefore, the paramount responsibility of making the essential moves at this point rests on the shoulders of the Tamil leaders. They too need to be sensitive to their own responsibilities. Only then can the international community be able to act upon a clear cut rationale set forth by the Tamil Diaspora.

Selfish Political Atmosphere
In the meantime, it is being pointed out that the main reason for the unspeakable miseries and difficulties of the Tamil people which later mushroomed into unprecedented proportions is the disunity that prevails among the Tamil leadership. It is this attitude of tit-for-tat. The Tamil leadership should understand that if existing conditions are permitted to continue, the Tamil community will not benefit in any way at all. Sadly, this message has not been fully understood.

Although it is being widely proclaimed that a strong Tamil leadership is essential to initiate a sustainable solution to the deep seated problems of the community, the Tamil people at large are clueless as to how a strong leadership could be established in a selfish political atmosphere among Tamil politicians where everyone is reaching for each other's throats. Most are convinced that the rivalry prevailing among Tamil political parties has already paved the way for the Tamil national issue to be dragged on indefinitely.

It should be also born in the mind that if this opportunity, which has given an opening to approach the national issue with intelligence and sincerity in an atmosphere free of armed conflict is missed, it could only be the start of another round of curses to fall upon the Tamil nation.

Role of International Community
Political analysts opine that if the international community, including India, is actually sincere in their intentions to help work out a lasting solution to the national issue of Sri Lanka, they should provide their fullest cooperation instead of withdrawing themselves after submitting a few cursory suggestions. Therefore, everyone involved in this issue should stop repeating the same ineffective mantras and approach the issue with constructive and practical proposals.

We would like to impress, in the name of humanity that it is vital that this attitude of sacrificing an entire community in exchange for mere political benefits should be jettisoned completely.

Continued Assaults on Students To Strain India-Australia Relations

The murder of an Indian student in Melbourne is enough to prove that the Australian Government is not at all committed to prevent assaults on Indians. Its sole interest seems to be that such incidents are not believed to be racial attacks. Since only Indians are being targeted, the obvious conclusion bound to be drawn is that Indians are becoming prey of violence because of racialism.

Implementation of New Law
If it is assumed even for the sake of argument that this is not so, then it becomes the responsibility of the Australian Government to give a plausible explanation for these attacks. It is frustrating to find the Australian Government unable to stop attacks on Indians, and to take necessary steps to discourage forces that are targeting Indian students.
The Australian media has suggested the implementation of a new law to deal with the situation. This only points out the failure of the Australian Government to take necessary measures.
It is equally distressing to find the Indian Government unable to do anything in this respect except to lodge an official protest. This is the situation when Indian students went there at the invitation of the Australian Government, in a way. Australia should be reminded of the invitation extended to Indian students for studying there to help its educational institutions to earn foreign exchange.

Victims of Racial Violence
It is difficult to understand why the Indian Government is so very mind in defending the interests of students staying in Australia! It is, perhaps, because of this careless attitude of the Indian Government that the Australian Government does not go beyond expressing an official reaction to these incidents.
It must be borne in mind that in addition to being victims of violence, Indian students are facing many other problems in Australia. Teaching has stopped in some educational institutions. Some of them are even demanding higher fees from Indian students. These are nothing short of a kind of deceit.

Anarchic Situation
As the Indian Government is not conscious of the welfare of its citizens, no initiative is being taken at the international level to draw the world's attention to racial attacks on Indian students because of anarchic situation in Australia. Not much satisfaction can be derived from External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna's reminder to the Australian Government about its responsibility to investigate into the death of the Indian student in Melbourne and to punish the guilty.
India has expressed such reactions on earlier occasions also. It has now become essential for the Government of India to make Australia realize that such incidents will affect mutual trust in the relationship between the two countries.